Thread: CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) Explained

HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) promises to control components that are connected via HDMI cables with just one remote. Turning components off and on and one-touch play and record are some of the first features enabled on these initial HDMI CEC home theater offerings. But they often prove to be not so easy. You must set up the HDMI CEC in each component’s menu, and controlling the components can be inconsistent. Plus, each brand has its own nomenclature for menu and action items.

Each manufacturer uses their own trademarked name: LG’s is SimpLink, Panasonic’s is EZ Sync, Sony BRAVIA’s is Theatre Sync, Samsung’s is Anynet, and Toshiba’s is CE-Link.

For example, Onkyo has announced that its HDMI-compatible A/V receivers will be capable of system control with selected Panasonic EZ Sync (a two-way communication protocol using HDMI) components, including high-definition displays and Blu-ray Disc players. Onkyo has chosen to use the name RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) for this system.
RIHD will offer at least three key benefits:
1.) Standby — All connected RIHD components will go into standby when the user selects standby on the EZ Sync display’s remote control.
2.) Volume Command — The user can use the EZ Sync display’s remote control to adjust the volume on the RIHD A/V receiver.
3.) Direct Change — An auto switching feature where the user can automatically select and begin playback of RIHD-compatible components (for example, an EZ Sync DVD recorder) by using the EZ Sync display remote control.
RIHD ensures intelligent interoperability with some of Panasonic’s most popular high-definition displays and playback components. Onkyo plans to work with other leading consumer electronics brands that use similar control systems over HDMI.